PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Professional development is an integral part of all learning communities. As educators, we constantly seek to improve our craft and remain relevant within our fields of expertise. It is the philosophy of NLRSD to honor the growth and development of leaders, teachers, and other professionals through appropriate learning opportunities. Continuous improvement is an integral part of each employee’s job responsibilities and expectations.
The mission of the Professional Development Department is to provide resources, programs, and professional development opportunities and support that actively engage all members of the school community in continuous professional growth. Professional Development in NLRSD shall be designed to increase the success of all students. Through an environment of collegiality and collaboration, all employees will have opportunities to increase knowledge, improve performance, and enhance professional satisfaction.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT UPDATES
For the 2023-2024 school year, the following 36 hours must be obtained by all licensed employees by May 31, 2024, based on our District Needs the following is suggested:
18 hours of professional development required pertaining to the educator’s professional growth plan (Requirements of TESS or LEADS)
10 hours of professional development (Educator’s Choice)
3 hours of Educational Technology
3 hours of SEL (Social Emotional Learning)
A minimum of 2 hours of professional development in Parental Engagement
SCHEDULED PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Scheduled Professional Development required under Section 6 of the Rules Governing Professional Development shall include content that is provided by:
Arkansas Department of Education (ADE), including ArkansasIDEAS
An institution of higher education
A provider approved by the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE)
An education service cooperative
A school district or an open-enrollment public charter school shall make available to the appropriate educator required professional development as noted on the following schedule as part of the minimum annual requirement:
Please click on the links below for additional guidance regarding professional development for the North Little Rock School District:
ARKANSAS LEARNS ACT
In 2023, the Arkansas LEARNS Act became law. As a result, the following updates were released regarding professional development requirements.